Author: Stephen Alter
Publisher: Penguin
Year: 2004
Language: English
Pages: 327
ISBN/UPC (if available): 0143031740
Description
A vivid portrait of an animal that has captured the imagination of humans for millennia.
Elephas maximus, the majestic Asian elephant, is still revered in Indian religion and culture. Yet, unabated ivory poaching conjures up fears of a future when tuskless males may be all that survive, and conservationists are fighting to preserve its endangered habitat as settlements expand.
Fascinated by this regal animal and its unique relationship with humankind, Stephen Alter traveled extensively across India to explore its natural home, and its place in history and myth. Alter's search takes him from national parks where he observes elephants in the wild to the annual Sonepur Mela where they are bought and sold, to Kota where they once played a unique role in royal festivals. He charts the elephant in art, religion, folklore and the everyday world of India, bringing to life the complex past and troubled present of this majestic creature while offering hope for its future.
Contents
PROLOGUE
Winter Sanctuary
On the Origin of Elephants
Mysore
Remover of Obstacles
Questions of Captivity
Murals, Monoliths and Miniatures
Arundhati's Bath
Gajasutra
Power and Pomp
North-East
Acknowledgements
Notes
Bibliography